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Emma Bedford Patel

Director

Q: How did you get to your current position?
A: Like most people in recruitment, I fell into it. I walked into an agency and was asked ‘Have you ever thought about recruitment?’ I had been cabin crew for years and was looking for a new career to really get my teeth into and also I love a challenge! Recruitment has certainly given me this, I started as a PC and with hard work and determination succeeded to be the top biller year on year… I then took a Team Leader role when my Manager was on maternity leave even though I had always said I didn’t want management… However I loved managing people, developing them to reach their absolute potential, taking them out of their comfort zones and achieve results they had never dreamed of. I also stepped in when my Regional Director was out of the business with mentoring other Managers, assisting with Interviews and various responsibilities I was asked. I was promoted into my current role as a director of the South West region 18 months ago and I have absolutely loved the journey…

Q: What qualities do you look for in your team and why?
A: Honest and hardworking people that like to win! Recruitment is a competitive industry, I look for people that complement the industry we work in. I very much value honesty and people that have natural integrity, and work hard. I also believe it is really important to have a lot of fun, I love all types of humour. My teams make me laugh a lot.

Q: What has been the biggest challenge in your career to date and why?
A: This is tricky, as I feel I am forever learning and at the time it can feel like your biggest challenge. I would say the recession in 2008 was very challenging, although my branch still had a good year and I won the Top Biller that year. I am great believer in mind set and how you look at something.

Q: What advice would you give to a younger 'you' starting out in your career?
A: Have fun, do not take yourself too seriously, what you are worrying about today you will not give a second thought to in a years’ time. You are resilient and whatever happens you always will bounce back up!

Q: What motivates you and why? What gets you up in the morning?
A: My Managers and their teams motivate me, working with people that inspire me every day and honestly really do make me proud! Yes, they definitely manage to always put a smile on my face and I look forward to seeing them all.

Q: What is your most memorable career moment?
A: Winning the REC award for the Recruiter of the year was very humbling and exciting. However, being promoted to my current role was very memorable, having people believe in you is priceless.

Q: What are your interests and hobbies outside of work?
A: Spending time with my other half, family and friends. I love walking our dogs whether on the beach or a country walk. I come from a large family so there is always a family event to attend. I also love going on holiday! I have travelled such a lot in my teenage years and young 20’s working for an airline and have never lost that bug!

Q: What is your favourite film?
A: I love films, from romantics, to comedies to documentaries.. If I had to say my absolute favourite it would be a childhood favourite – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun with a very young Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt of which I loved to watch with my sisters and friends. I also love Shawshank Redemption, Love Actually and Life of Pi.